Powered toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A powered toothbrush refill head combines a typical round oscillating or primary tuft block which oscillates in a rotational manner with a secondary tuft block. The secondary tuft block may be oscillated in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly back and forth in the same direction as the handle of the toothbrush. The secondary tuft block could be in the form of a pair of side by side plates mounted on the head adjacent to the round oscillating block. The invention could also be practice where the secondary tuft block is in the form of a plurality of sets of rows of bristles mounted for back and forth movement in a direction perpendicular to the handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a powered toothbrush refillhead that includes an oscillating block having bristles. Various typesof such toothbrushes are generally known in the art. Reference is madeto U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916 which relates to an electrically driventoothbrush which includes a motor drive for rotating a drive shaft. Thedrive shaft is connected to a bristle holder on the head of thetoothbrush in such a manner that rotation of the drive shaft causes thebristle holder to rotationally oscillate back and forth. Various otherarrangements are known for oscillating a bristle holder mounted to thehead of an electric toothbrush.

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,942 describes a motorized toothbrush havingtwo concentrically arranged brushes coaxially supported in a shell. Thebrushes are driven by a drive shaft connected to a spindle which is bentto form two inclined arms at its end. Each of the arms is located in aslot in each respective brush. When the drive shaft is rotated theinclined arms cause each brush to rotate about their axis in oppositedirections to each other.

[0003] The motorized toothbrush described in PCT internationalPublication No. WO 00/78244 similarly includes two coaxially mountedfirst and second brush heads which rotationally oscillate with respectto each other in different directions and/or at different speeds. Twodifferent drive mechanisms are disclosed. One drive mechanism includes alinearly reciprocating actuator to which two connecting rods areattached. The connecting rods are formed from a single piece of wiregenerally V-shaped with an end of each connecting rod being mounted to adifferent one of the brush heads. As the actuator and connecting rodsare moved linearly back and forth the ends of the connecting rods aremoved toward and away from each other to cause the brush heads torotate. In the second embodiment each brush head is provided with atoothed region which engages a conical gear at the distal end of arotationally oscillating shaft so that rotational oscillation of theshaft is transmitted by the conical gear to each toothed region tothereby rotationally oscillate the brush heads.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,030 discloses a rather complicatedarrangement for a dental cleaning device having two brush holders. Oneof the brush holders is reciprocated about a pivotal axis as a result ofa pivotal coupling between the brush holder and a connecting rod in thedrive means. The other brush holder is also reciprocated about a pivotalaxis as a result of a coupling between the brush holder and a drivemember of the drive means. Although the two brush holders are locatedadjacent to each other the reciprocation of one of the brush holders isnot utilized to cause the reciprocation of the other brush holder.Instead, both brush holders oscillate as a result of each brush holderbeing coupled to the drive means.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,178 discloses a toothbrush having a bristleholder which is rotated reciprocally along a circularly arcuate path. Aninterdental bristle holder is mounted longitudinally outwardly of thebristle holder. The patent states that the interdental bristle holder isreciprocatingly movable transversely to the longitudinal axis and is indriving engagement with the bristle holder so that the interdentalbristle holder reciprocates transversely to the longitudinal axis whenthe bristle holder is reciprocated along the circularly arcuate path.The drawings, however, illustrate the interdental bristle holder to havean arcuate edge which is parallel to and extends partially around thearcuate edge of the bristle holder 40. Accordingly, there would belittle room for any significant transverse reciprocation.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,358 discloses a toothbrush having a bristleholder and an interdental bristle holder. The patent states that each ofthese bristle holders performs a pivotal movement along a circular path,but does not state how the bristle holders are driven.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,242,516 discloses a toothbrush having a centralset of bristles with a further set of bristles on each side thereof. Thecentral set is driven by a drive mechanism. The central set includes agear which meshes with gears for each of the other two sets so thatrotation of the central set of brush elements will cause the other setsof brush elements to also rotate. No mention is made of rotating thebrush elements back and forth in an oscillating manner.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,460 discloses a power driven toothbrush whichuses a rather complicated drive arrangement including various types ofgears and modified shaft structure to rotationally oscillate a brushcarrier. The brush carrier is linked to a brush holder so that the brushholder is also rotationally oscillated.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,959 discloses an electric toothbrush whereina pair of rotating bases holding brush bundles is rotatably mounted in apair of pins secured to a slider. A pinion is secured to each base forengagement with a rack of a holder. The slider is mounted in the holderand moved longitudinally by a drive mechanism. As the slider moveslongitudinally the engagement of the pinions with the rack causes thebases to rotate in a reciprocating motion to thereby reciprocatinglyrotate the brush bundles.

[0010] PCT International Publication No. WO 01/91603 discloses atoothbrush having sets of bristle tufts which reciprocate in theirangular orientation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of this invention is to provide a powered toothbrushrefill head which is capable of delivering a cleaning, polishing,whitening action in addition to the cleaning efficiency of a typicalpowered toothbrush refill product.

[0012] A further object of this invention is to provide varioustechniques for adding to the cleaning efficiency of an oscillating blockin the toothbrush head.

[0013] In accordance with this invention the toothbrush head includes aprimary tuft block mounted to the head. The primary tuft block ismounted in such a manner as to oscillate back and forth preferablyrotationally. The head includes a secondary tuft block which is drivento further oscillate back and forth while the primary tuft block isoscillated back and forth.

[0014] In one practice of this invention the secondary tuft block isinterconnected with the primary tuft block so that oscillating rotationof the primary tuft block causes an oscillating rotation of thesecondary tuft block.

[0015] In accordance with a further practice of this invention thesecondary tuft block comprises a plurality of side by side platesconnected to the primary tuft block in such a manner that the side byside plates oscillate linearly in a direction parallel to the handle ofthe toothbrush while the primary tuft block is oscillating.

[0016] In still yet another practice of this invention the secondarytuft block is a plurality of rows of bars extending laterally across thehead perpendicular to the handle. The bars oscillate back and forthacross the tuft head in a direction perpendicular to the handle whilethe primary tuft block is oscillating.

THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush refill head inaccordance with one practice of this invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIGS. 1-2;

[0020] FIGS. 4-5 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.1-3;

[0021] FIGS. 6-7 are perspective views of the head shown in FIGS. 1-5 inthe upright and inverted positions;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of a toothbrushincorporating the head shown in FIGS. 1-7;

[0023]FIG. 9 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross-section ofthe head shown in FIGS. 1-8;

[0024]FIG. 10 is a top plan view showing the drive mechanism for thehead shown in FIGS. 1-9;

[0025]FIG. 10A is a view similar to FIG. 10 of a modified form of drivemechanism;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush refill head inaccordance with a further embodiment of this invention;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 11;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIGS. 11-12;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 12 with thehead inverted;

[0030] FIGS. 15-16 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.11-14;

[0031] FIGS. 17-18 are perspective views showing the head of FIGS. 11-16in the upright and inverted positions;

[0032] FIGS. 19-20 are plan views of the drive mechanism for the headshown in FIGS. 11-18 in different phases of operation;

[0033]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush refill head inaccordance with yet another embodiment of this invention;

[0034]FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 21;

[0035]FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIG. 22;

[0036]FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the head inverted;

[0037] FIGS. 25-26 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.21-24;

[0038] FIGS. 27-28 are perspective views of the head shown in FIGS.21-26 in the upright and inverted positions;

[0039]FIG. 29 is a top plan view of a variation of the poweredtoothbrush refill head shown in FIGS. 21-28;

[0040]FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 29;

[0041]FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIGS. 29-30;

[0042]FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 30 with the head inverted;

[0043] FIGS. 33-34 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.29-32;

[0044] FIGS. 35-36 are perspective views of the head shown in FIGS.29-34 in the upright and inverted positions;

[0045]FIG. 37 is a top plan view of yet another variation of the poweredtoothbrush refill head shown in FIGS. 21-28;

[0046]FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 37;

[0047]FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIGS. 37-38;

[0048]FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 38 with the head inverted;

[0049] FIGS. 41-42 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.37-40;

[0050] FIGS. 43-44 are perspective views of the head shown in FIGS.37-42 in the upright and inverted positions;

[0051]FIG. 45 is a top plan view of still yet another variation of thepowered toothbrush refill head shown in FIGS. 21-28;

[0052]FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the head shown in FIG. 45;

[0053]FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the head shown in FIGS. 45-46;

[0054]FIG. 48 is a view similar to FIG. 46 showing the head in aninverted position;

[0055] FIGS. 49-50 are end elevational views of the head shown in FIGS.45-48;

[0056] FIGS. 51-52 are perspective views of the head shown in FIGS.45-50 in the upright and inverted positions;

[0057]FIG. 53 is a plan view of the drive mechanism for the heads shownin FIGS. 21-52 in one phase of operation;

[0058]FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 53 along theline 54-54;

[0059]FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 53 showing a different phase ofoperation;

[0060]FIG. 55A is a view similar to FIG. 55 of a modified mode ofoperation; and

[0061]FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 55 along theline 56-56.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] FIGS. 1-10 are directed to a practice of the invention wherein apowered toothbrush refill head 10 is provided with a primary tuft block12 and a secondary tuft block 14 mounted to the refill arm 16 of atoothbrush 28 at the end of handle extension 18 at a location displacedfrom the primary tuft block. Each tuft block contains various types ofbristles or brushing elements. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-2 and6-7 the primary tuft block 12 has a plurality of bristles arranged inany suitable pattern. For example, an outer generally circularlyarranged row of natural bristles 20 is located around the periphery oftuft block 12. An inner set of natural bristles 22 is located in agenerally circular pattern concentrically within the circulararrangement of outer bristles 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 someof the bristles are shorter than other bristles.

[0063] As shown each of primary tuft block 12 and secondary tuft block14 is of generally circular cross-sectional shape. Secondary tuft block14 is located outwardly of primary tuft block 12 and is of smaller sizethan primary tuft block 12.

[0064] Secondary tuft block 14 also includes a plurality of bristles. Inthe illustrated embodiment these bristles include four sets of naturalbristle tufts 24 separated from each other by rubber bristles or massageelements 26 which are of the same height as bristles 24.

[0065] It is to be understood that the specific illustration anddescription of the bristles for primary tuft block 12 and secondary tuftblock 14 is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can, however,be practiced with various combinations of the same or different bristleconfigurations (such as stapled, IMT, etc.) and/or with the same ordifferent bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles,rubber bristles, etc.). It is thereby possible to select the combinationof bristle configurations and bristle materials to achieve specificintended results, such as to create as much movement from theoscillating tuft heads to deliver additional oral health benefits likeenhanced cleaning, tooth polishing and/or tooth whitening.

[0066] It is also to be understood that the head 16 could include otherbristles such as on non-movable portions of the heads separate from thebristles on the oscillating tufts blocks 12,14. Thus, for example,rubber triangular bristles or massage elements could be located onopposite portions of the head 16 between the tuft blocks 12 and 14. Itis also to be understood that the bristles for the oscillating tuftblocks could include combinations of natural or rubber bristles or couldinclude solely natural or solely rubber bristles.

[0067] It is to be understood that as used herein the term bristle ismeant to include cleaning elements which may be of solid constructionsuch as rubber massage members or stimulators and is not intended to belimited to tufts or natural bristles.

[0068] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an exemplary type of drive structure foroscillating the primary tuft block 12. This drive structure incorporatesthe type of drive disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916, all of thedetails of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. As shownin FIG. 8 the toothbrush 28 has a hollow housing 29 in which a pluralityof batteries 30,30 are mounted to power the motor 32 as actuated by anon/off switch (not shown). Motor 32 is connected to coupling 34 whichgrips one end of a drive shaft 36 so as to rotate the drive shaft 36.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 9 the primary tuft block 12 has a slot oropening 38 into which the offset crank end 40 of shaft 36 is mounted. Asshaft 36 rotates the rotating crank end 40 causes the primary tuft block12 to rotate in a back and forth oscillating manner about shaft or post42 which is mounted to refill arm 16. Thus, the 360° rotational movementof shaft 36 is transmitted into an oscillating back and forth rotationalmovement of primary tuft block 12.

[0070] The type of drive mechanism described and illustrated in FIGS.8-9 is a particularly preferred type of drive mechanism because of itssimplicity and its effectiveness. As shown, the drive shaft 36 extendsaxially from the motor 32 and is mounted directly to the primary tuftblock 12. Accordingly, the primary tuft block 12 is oscillated by adrive which comprises an axially oriented shaft extending from the motorto the primary tuft block without the need for any intervening gears,etc. As used in this application the term “direct drive from a shaftaxially extending from the motor to the primary tuft block” is intendedto mean such a drive mechanism which does not require additionalcomplicated structure such as gears and the like to oscillate theprimary tuft block.

[0071]FIG. 10 illustrates a drive connection between primary tuft block12 and secondary tuft block 14. As shown therein primary tuft block 12includes a finger or extension 44 which is located in slot or cutout 46in secondary tuft block 14. Accordingly, as primary tuft block 12reciprocates back and forth in a rotational manner the finger 44 causesa like oscillation to result from secondary tuft block 14. FIG. 9illustrates the secondary tuft block 14 to be mounted on its post orshaft 48 secured to refill arm 16 to permit such oscillating rotationalmovement.

[0072] It is to be understood that while FIGS. 8-10 illustrate theoscillating movement of primary tuft block 12 to result from a rotatingdrive shaft 36 with its crank end 40, other types of oscillating drivemechanisms may be utilized as is known in the art such as gears, camsand the like. Such drive mechanisms, however, are less preferred.

[0073] Similarly, while FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a preferred drivetransmitting connection from the primary tuft block to the secondarytuft block by means of the finger 44 extending into cutout 46, the drivetransmitting connection could be from a finger of the secondary tuftblock located in a cutout in the primary tuft block. Alternatively,other types of drive transmitting transmissions or connections couldalso be used such as links or cams. FIG. 10A, for example, shows a pin45 straddling the primary tuft block 12 and the secondary tuft block 14.Pin 45 could be pivotally secured to each tuft block so that anoscillating rotation of primary tuft block 12 would be transmitted tosecondary tuft block 14 thereby causing an oscillating rotation in theopposite direction of secondary tuft block 14. Alternatively, pin 45could be rigidly secured to or even integral with one of the tuft blocksand pivotally mounted to the other tuft block.

[0074] An advantageous aspect of the drive connection between primarytuft block 12 and secondary tuft block 14 is that primary tuft block 12rotates back and forth only over a limited arc, rather than a full 360°and that this oscillating or limited rotation is transmitted to thesecondary tuft block to result in a like type of limited rotationaloscillation. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the oscillation of thesecondary tuft block is achieved by a single drive connecting member,namely, the finger 44 mounted in the slot or cutout 46, rather than forexample sets of intermeshed gear teeth. In the embodiment of FIG. 10Athe drive connecting member is a pin 45.

[0075] The embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 thus utilizes a drive assembly inthe handle of the toothbrush wherein the drive assembly includes a driveconnection to the primary tuft block 12 so as to oscillate the primarytuft block 12 back and forth on its shaft 42. A drive transmittingconnection, namely, the finger 44 and slot 46 or the pin 45 between theprimary tuft block 12 and the secondary tuft block 14 results in movingthe secondary tuft block 14 back and forth in an oscillating mannerwhile the primary tuft block is oscillating.

[0076] It is to be understood that the invention in all of itsembodiments could be practiced where the secondary tuft block also has adrive transmitting connection to still yet a further or tertiary tuftblock. For example, the secondary and tertiary tuft blocks could utilizea similar type connection as the finger and slot that is utilizedbetween the primary and secondary tuft blocks or by using any othersuitable drive transmitting connection. The tertiary tuft block coulddrive yet a further tuft block, etc. The number of tuft blocks would bedetermined by space constraints and practicality. Having only a primaryand a secondary tuft blocks is preferred.

[0077] Advantageously, the invention could be practiced with only minorconstructional modification changes to existing type powered brushrefill heads. Thus, for example, refill arm would be modified in shapeto accept a second round tuft block 14 for connection with the primaryround refill design or tuft block 12. This allows for simplemodifications to the second head shape which could be a compact head, aregular head, full head, etc. so that different sizes/actions could beoffered to the consumer.

[0078] The constructional changes that would be made to known poweredrefill products having a round oscillating block or primary tuft blockwould be to modify the shape of the refill arm 16 to accept theadditional tuft plates which would be located below the roundoscillating block 12. The round tuft block 12 would also require somemodifications to accept the connection points for the additional plates.Other constructional modifications would depend on the differentbristles configurations included in the consumer-preferred design (i.e.,rubber fingers, etc.).

[0079]FIG. 10 illustrates the primary tuft block 12 to be of larger sizethan the secondary tuft block 14. FIG. 10A, however, shows a practice ofthe invention where both tuft blocks are of the same size. If desired,the secondary tuft block could be larger than the primary tuft block. Itis particularly preferred to have both tuft blocks the same size sincethis lends itself to the possibility of making both tuft blocks ofidentical structure. This would simplify and reduce manufacturing costs.Thus, the slot 38 which accommodates the end 40 of shaft 36 for theprimary tuft block could be used to function as the slot 46 of thesecondary tuft block to accommodate the finger 44. Where both tuftblocks are made of identical structure the secondary tuft block wouldhave a non-functioning finger. Where other types of drive transmittingmembers are used, such as pin 45, the secondary tuft block could stillbe provided with a non-functional slot identical to slot 38 of theprimary tuft block so that the two tuft blocks are interchangeableduring assembly.

[0080] FIGS. 11-20 relate to a further embodiment of this inventionwhere there is at least one secondary tuft block at a location displacedfrom the primary tuft block. As shown in FIGS. 11-18 the head 10Aincludes a primary tuft block 12 and a secondary tuft block which isillustrated as being in the form of a pair of plates 50,52 mounted onrefill arm 16. As later described the two plates 50,52 are mounted foroscillatory movement back and forth in a direction generally parallel tohandle extension 18. This movement, in combination with the primary tuftblock 12 oscillating rotationally, thereby allows the refill to deliveran added cleaning, polishing, whitening action in addition to thecleaning efficiency of a typical powered toothbrush refill product.

[0081] As with the description of the various bristle configuration andbristle material combinations possibilities discussed with regard tohead 10, the head 10A likewise could incorporate different combinations.In the illustrated embodiment, primary tuft block 12 includes aplurality of sets of natural bristles 54 separated by bristles of IMTblock configuration 56. All of the bristles 54 are of the same heightwhich is slightly higher than bristles 56. Plates 50,52 include twolongitudinal rows of bristles wherein the rows of bristles includenatural bristles 58 and rubber fingers/bristles 60. The height of thebristles for each plate 50,52 tapers so as to create a ramp effect.Thus, the bristles for plate 50 are higher at the end of plate 50located nearer to handle extension 18 creating a downwardly inclinedramp toward primary tuft block 12. The bristles in plate 52, however,have the opposite ramp effect where the tallest bristles are closest toprimary tuft block 12. In addition to the bristles in plates 50,52tapering in height, the bristles may also be inclined toward and awayfrom the handle as best shown in FIG. 12.

[0082] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a drive mechanism for causing the plates50,52 to reciprocate linearly in the same direction as handle extension18 while the primary tuft block 12 oscillates back and forthrotationally. As shown in FIGS. 19-20 the drive connection is locatedbelow the outer surface of the primary tuft block 12 and the outersurface of the secondary tuft block from which the bristles extendoutwardly away from refill arm 16. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10the handle 18 includes a rotating drive shaft 36 which has a crank end40 engaged in slot 38 of primary tuft block 12 so that rotation of driveshaft 36 causes the primary tuft block 12 to rotate about its shaft orpost 42. Thus, the drive mechanism is preferably a direct drive from ashaft extending from the motor to the primary tuft block.

[0083] The plates 50,52 are connected to oscillating primary tuft block12 in such a manner that the rotational movement of primary tuft block12 causes the plates to reciprocate back and forth in a directionparallel to handle extension 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 19-20 theconnection is accomplished by a link 62 connecting each plate 50,52 toprimary tuft block 12. FIG. 19 shows the plates in a neutral or centeredcondition. FIG. 20 shows the condition where the primary tuft block 12is rotating in a counterclockwise direction. The crank end 40 is shiftedto the right as shown in FIG. 20. The links 62,62 cause the plate 50 tobe pulled in a direction away from handle extension 18, while the plate52 is pushed in a direction toward the handle extension. Alternatively,the links could be mounted in such a manner that both plates 50,52 movesimultaneously in the same direction. If desired, plates 50,52 could bemounted in tracks in refill arm 16 to assure that the movement of theplates is a straight back and forth linear movement thereby avoiding anyside shifting or rotation.

[0084] In order to minimize space requirements the outer edge 53 of eachplate 50,52 which is disposed adjacent to the primary tuft block 12 isarcuate along an arc generally parallel to the curvature of the round orcircular primary tuft block 12.

[0085] Although FIGS. 11-20 illustrate the secondary tuft block to be inthe form of two side by side plates the invention may be practiced withother variations wherein there is an up and down movement parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the handle extension 18. Thus, in its simplestform there could be a single plate or there could be three or more sideby side plates where some or all of the plates move in the same or indifferent directions. For example, two or more adjacent plates couldmove in the same direction. Alternatively, each plate may move in anopposite direction to its adjacent plate. In each of these variationsthe necessary points of connection would be made between each plate andthe oscillating primary tuft block to cause the linear reciprocatingmovement of the plates and their outwardly extending bristles.

[0086] FIGS. 21-56 illustrate a third variation of the invention whereinthere is a reciprocating movement of a secondary tuft block at alocation displaced from the primary tuft block while the primary tuftblock rotates in an oscillating manner. In the various embodiments ofFIGS. 21-56 the oscillating or reciprocating movement is a side to sidemovement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thehandle extension 18. FIGS. 21-52 illustrate various exemplary possiblecombinations of bristle structure that could be used with this practiceof the invention. One such combination of bristle structure isillustrated in FIGS. 21-28. As shown therein the head includes a primarytuft block 12 with the secondary tuft block being formed by parallellaterally disposed bars 64,66,68,70. (The bars 64,66,68,70 are actuallylocated below the surface with the bristles on the bars extendingoutwardly through slots in refill arm 16.)

[0087] FIGS. 21-28 illustrate head 10B with one variation of bristlecombination. As shown therein, a set of stimulators 72 is arrangedaround the periphery of refill arm 16 outwardly of the laterallyreciprocating bristle bars 64,66,68,70. The bristles 74 on the bristlebars taper in height to create a ramped affect. The tapering may beuniform in the sense that the bristles in each row taper in the samedirection laterally across head 10B or the tapering may alternate fromrow to row or the tapering could be such that the bristles 74 in rows oron bars 68 and 70 are the same as each other while being opposite to thetapering for the bristles on bars 66,68. (FIG. 43 also illustrates theramped bristles 74 without peripheral stimulators 72.)

[0088] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-36 the head 10C also includesa set of peripherally located stimulators 72. The bristles 76 forlaterally oscillating bars 64,66,68 and 70, however, are all of the sameheight, rather than being ramped.

[0089] FIGS. 37-44 illustrate a variation where the head 10D has itsbristles 74 of tapering height to create a ramp effect for eachlaterally oscillating bar 64,66,68,70 in the same manner as describedwith regard to head 10B. Unlike head 10B, however, head 10D omits theperipherally located stimulators.

[0090] FIGS. 45-52 illustrate a head 10E which is similar to head 10C inthat the bristles 76 are of the same height but the head does notinclude any stimulators surrounding the bristles 76.

[0091] As illustrated, particularly in FIGS. 21, 29, 37, 43, 45 and 51,the bristles 74 or 76 extend outwardly from the refill arm 16 throughslots 71 formed in the refill arm with the rows of bristles beingmounted on the bars which are actually located below the outer surfaceof refill arm 16.

[0092] FIGS. 53-56 illustrate one technique for causing the laterallyarranged bars 64,66,68 and 70 to reciprocate back and forth while theprimary tuft block 12 reciprocates rotationally. As shown therein, andas previously described, the drive shaft 36 has its crank end 40 mountedin slot 38 of primary tuft block 12 to cause the primary tuft block 12to oscillate rotationally on its post or shaft 42. This drive assemblywhich includes the rotating shaft 36 and its drive connection 38,40 thuscauses the primary tuft block 12 to oscillate back and forth. A drivetransmitting connection between the primary tuft block 12 and thesecondary tuft block formed by bars 64,66,68 and 70 is achieved throughthe use of cams 78,80,82,84 mounted on drive shaft 36. FIGS. 54 and 56illustrate how the cam 82 associated with bar 68 causes the bar to shiftlaterally while drive shaft 36 rotates. As shown therein, the refill arm16 includes a recess 88 of sufficient size to permit the lateral backand forth shifting in a direction perpendicular to drive shaft 36 andthe longitudinal axis of handle extension 18. Cam 82 is located in aslot or cutout 86 in bar 68. As shown in FIG. 54 the cam 82 is in itscentered condition with the cam located upwardly from drive shaft 36.FIG. 54 also shows in phantom the cam rotated 180° which would stillresult in the bar 68 being in its centered condition.

[0093]FIG. 56 illustrates in solid lines the cam 82 rotated 90° from itscentered condition which in FIG. 56 would cause the bar 68 to shift tothe right to its extreme right-hand most position. FIG. 56 shows inphantom the position of the cam and the slot or cutout 86 when the cam82 is shifted 180° from the position shown in FIG. 56 which would thencause the bar 68 to be shifted to its extreme leftmost position.Accordingly, while shaft 36 rotates 360° this rotation is transmitted bycrank end 40 to cause a rotational oscillation of primary tuft block 12and the rotating cam 82 causes a lateral oscillation of bar 68.

[0094] Cam 82 and cam 78 are mounted identically to each other on shaft36. As a result bars 64 and 68 move in unison in the same direction aseach other. Conversely, cams 80 and 84 are configured and mounted to beopposite cams 78 and 82 as shown in FIG. 55 so that when bars 64 and 68move toward the right under the influence of their cams 78 and 82 thebars 66 and 70 move toward the left under their influence of their cams80 and 84.

[0095]FIG. 55 illustrates each bar to be moved in a direction oppositeto its adjacent bar. FIG. 55A, however, shows a variation wherein thecams are arranged so that pairs of adjacent bars move in the samedirection. Thus, as shown in FIG. 55A the bars 64 and 66 move in thesame direction while adjacent bars 68,70 move in the opposite direction.

[0096] If desired, the invention could be practiced with only a singlebar moving back and forth in a lateral direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of handle 18. Preferably, however, sets of pairs ofbars (such as illustrated in FIGS. 53, 55 and 55A) are the preferredpractice of this invention. Each set of bars could be alternatelyarranged bars (as in FIG. 55) or could be adjacent bars (as in FIG.55A). The invention, however, could be practiced with greater or lessernumber of bars arranged in pairs or arranged for individual movement bymodifying the cam location and shape on shaft 36. For example, a totalof six reciprocating bars could be used arranged in two sets each havingthree alternately located bars or in three sets of adjacent bars. Sucharrangement, however, would require a larger head size. The cams couldalso be located on shaft 36 so that, for example, each of the cams78,80,82 and 84 is located on shaft 36 in a different angularorientation from each other whereby each of the bars would be oscillatedout of unison with the other bars.

[0097] The various embodiments of FIGS. 21-56 may thus be practiced bymodifying the drive shaft 36 to create a cam action to drive a series ofhorizontally aligned bristle rows. Preferably, the bristle rows64,66,68,70 are connected into two subsets 64,68 and 66,70 that operatein opposing directions as the drive shaft 36 rotates. This resultingaction in combination with the round oscillating block 12 creates enoughmovement to deliver additional oral health benefits like moreefficacious cleaning, tooth polishing, and/or tooth whitening. Theadditional movements can also be enhanced by different bristleconfigurations and bristle materials as described. Further, bysurrounding the bristles with rubber fingers 72 the fingers provide gummassage in addition to the action supplied by the extra bristle rows.

[0098] The construction changes that would be necessary to accomplishthis new action would include a modification to the shape of the refillarm to accept the additional tuft blocks or bars located below the roundoscillating block. The drive shaft would also be modified to create thecam action to drive the additional blocks. Other constructionmodifications would depend on the different bristle configurationsincluded in the consumer-preferred design.

[0099] Where ramped bristles 74 are used, in addition to tapering theheight of the bristles, the bristles could also be inclined either inthe same or opposite to the inclination of the adjacent rows ofbristles. Alternatively, the rows of bristles could include rampedbristles for one row with bristles of equal height for an adjacent row.Still further, instead of using individual tufts of bristles for a row asingle cleaning element, such as an elongated rubber finger, could beused for one or more of the rows.

[0100] The invention has been described with respect to three differentembodiments wherein in addition to the oscillation of the primary tuftblock there is also an oscillation either rotationally or linearly inthe same direction as the longitudinal axis of the handle or linearly ina direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Theinvention, however, may also be practiced where combinations of thoseforms of oscillation are achieved. Thus, for example, the side to sidetype of oscillation illustrated in FIGS. 53-56 could be accomplished bythe utilization of cams on the drive shaft while the primary tuft blockalso causes either rotational and/or longitudinal linear oscillation asin the other embodiments or any combination thereof. The invention mayalso be practiced where instead of rotating, the primary tuft blockoscillates back and forth parallel to the handle or side to side,although a rotational oscillation is preferred. It is also to beunderstood that while the invention has been described in its preferredmanner of causing oscillation of the secondary tuft blocks other typesof drive mechanisms may be used within the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a powered toothbrush having a handle, a headmounted to said handle, a primary tuft block mounted in said head, saidprimary tuft block having exposed bristles extending outwardly from saidhead, a secondary tuft block mounted in said head at a locationdisplaced from said primary tuft block, said secondary tuft block havingexposed bristles extending outwardly from said head, a drive assembly insaid handle, said drive assembly including a drive connection to saidprimary tuft block in the form of a direct drive from a shaft axiallyextending from a motor to said primary tuft block to oscillate saidprimary tuft block back and forth, and a drive transmitting connectionconnecting said primary tuft block to said secondary tuft block formoving said secondary tuft block back and forth in an oscillating mannerin response to the movement of said primary tuft block while saidprimary tuft block is being oscillated.
 2. The toothbrush of claim 1including a shaft mounted in said head, and said primary tuft blockbeing rotationally mounted on said shaft.
 3. The toothbrush of claim 2wherein said primary tuft block is a round block having a generallycircular cross-sectional shape, said secondary tuft block is being roundblock having a general circular cross-sectional shape, and saidsecondary tuft block being rotationally mounted on a post whereby saidback and forth movement of said secondary tuft block is a rotationaloscillating movement.
 4. The toothbrush of claim 3 wherein said drivetransmitting connection comprises a finger in one of said primary tuftblock and said secondary tuft block located in a cutout in the other ofsaid primary tuft block and said secondary tuft block.
 5. The toothbrushof claim 3 wherein said secondary tuft block is mounted outwardly ofsaid primary tuft block with said primary tuft block being between saidsecondary tuft block and said handle, and said secondary tuft blockbeing of lesser size than said primary tuft block.
 6. The toothbrush ofclaim 3 wherein said secondary tuft block is mounted outwardly of saidprimary tuft block with said primary tuft block being between saidsecondary tuft block, and said handle, and said secondary tuft blockbeing of the same size as said primary tuft block.
 7. The toothbrush ofclaim 3 wherein said bristles on at least one of said primary tuft blockand said secondary tuft block include bristles of differentconfiguration and material than other bristles on said at least one ofsaid primary tuft block and said secondary tuft block.
 8. The toothbrushof claim 2 wherein said primary tuft block is a round tuft block havinga generally circular cross section, said secondary tuft block comprisingat least one plate disposed adjacent to said primary tuft block, andsaid drive transmitting connection causing said at least one plate toreciprocate linearly, in a direction parallel to said handle.
 9. Thetoothbrush of claim 8 wherein said secondary tuft block comprises atleast two side by side plates.
 10. The toothbrush of claim 9 whereinsaid drive transmitting connection comprises a link connecting each ofsaid plates to said primary tuft block.
 11. The toothbrush of claim 9wherein said plates are located between said primary tuft block and saidhandle.
 12. The toothbrush of claim 11 wherein each of said platesincludes an arcuate edge disposed adjacent to and parallel to saidprimary tuft block.
 13. The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein said bristlesin one of said plates are ramped and are inclined in an oppositedirection and parallel to said bristles in the other of said plates. 14.The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein said bristles on at least one of saidprimary tuft block and said secondary tuft block include bristles ofdifferent configuration and material than other bristles on said atleast one of said primary tuft block and said secondary tuft block. 15.The toothbrush of claim 9 wherein the bristles on each of said platesare arranged in rows and are of ramped height, and the ramped height ofeach plate being inclined in an opposite direction than its adjacentplate.
 16. In a powered toothbrush having a handle, a head mounted tosaid handle, a primary tuft block mounted in said head, said primarytuft block having exposed bristles extending outwardly from said head,said primary tuft block being rotationally mounted on a first shaft, asecondary tuft block mounted in said head at a location displaced fromsaid primary tuft block, said secondary tuft block having exposedbristles extending outwardly from said head, said secondary tuft blockbeing rotationally mounted on a second shaft, a drive assembly in saidhandle, said drive assembly including a drive connection to said primarytuft block to rotationally oscillate said primary tuft block back andforth, a drive transmitting connection connecting said primary tuftblock to said secondary tuft block for moving said secondary tuft blockback and forth in a rotational oscillating manner in response to therotational oscillation movement of said primary tuft block while saidprimary tuft block is being oscillated, and said drive transmittingconnection comprising a finger in one of said primary tuft block andsaid secondary tuft block located in a cutout in the other of saidprimary tuft block and said secondary tuft block.
 17. The toothbrush ofclaim 16 wherein said primary tuft block is a round block having agenerally circular cross-sectional shape, said secondary tuft block isbeing round block having a general circular cross-sectional shape, saidcutout being in said secondary tuft block, and said finger being in saidprimary tuft block.
 18. The toothbrush of claim 17 wherein said primarytuft block and said secondary tuft block are of the same size.
 19. Thetoothbrush of claim 18 wherein said primary tuft block and saidsecondary tuft block each include said cutout and said finger so as tobe interchangeable during assembly.
 20. The toothbrush of claim 16wherein said secondary tuft block is mounted outwardly of said primarytuft block with said primary tuft block being between said secondarytuft block and said handle, and said secondary tuft block being oflesser size than said primary tuft block.
 21. The toothbrush of claim 16wherein said bristles on at least one of said primary tuft block andsaid secondary tuft block include bristles of different configurationand material than other bristles on said at least one of said primarytuft block and said secondary tuft block.
 22. In a powered toothbrushhaving a handle, a head mounted to said handle, a primary tuft blockmounted in said head, said primary tuft block having exposed bristlesextending outwardly from said head, a shaft mounted in said head, saidprimary tuft block being rotationally mounted on said shaft, a secondarytuft block mounted in said head at a location displaced from saidprimary tuft block, said secondary tuft block having exposed bristlesextending outwardly from said head, a drive assembly in said handle,said drive assembly including a drive connection to said primary tuftblock to oscillate said primary tuft block back and forth in arotational direction, and a drive transmitting connection locatedbetween said primary tuft block and said secondary tuft block for movingsaid secondary tuft block back and forth in an oscillating manner in alinear direction while said primary tuft block is oscillated in arotational direction.
 23. The toothbrush of claim 22 wherein saidprimary tuft block is a round tuft block having a generally circularcross section, said secondary tuft block comprising at least one platedisposed adjacent to said primary tuft block, and said drivetransmitting connection causing said at least one plate to reciprocatelinearly in a direction parallel to said handle. bristles of differentconfiguration and material than other bristles on said at least one ofsaid primary tuft block and said secondary tuft block.
 30. Thetoothbrush of claim 24 wherein the bristles on each of said plates arearranged in rows and are of ramped height, and the ramped height of eachplate being inclined in an opposite direction than its adjacent plate.31. The toothbrush of claim 22 wherein said primary tuft block is roundand has a generally circular cross section, and said secondary tuftblock having at least one horizontally disposed bar located generallyperpendicular to said handle.
 32. The toothbrush of claim 31 whereinsaid secondary tuft block comprises a plurality of side by side parallelbars, and each of said bars having bristles extending outwardly thereof.33. The toothbrush of claim 32 wherein said plurality of bars comprisesat least two sets of bars, each of said sets of bars having at least twobars in said set, and said bars of said at least two sets being mountedin an alternating manner with a bar of each set disposed adjacent to abar of the other set.
 34. The toothbrush of claim 32 wherein saidplurality of bars comprises two sets of side by side parallel bars, eachof said sets having two bars, and said sets of bars being mounted in analternating manner whereby a bar of each of said sets is disposedadjacent to a bar of the other of said sets.
 35. The toothbrush of claim32 wherein said plurality of bars comprises at least two sets of bars,each of said sets of bars having at least two adjacent bars in said set,and each of said sets of adjacent bars being mounted to move in adirection opposite to the movement of its adjacent set of bars.
 36. Thetoothbrush of claim 32 wherein said plurality of bars comprises two setsof side by side parallel bars, each of said sets having two adjacentbars, and each of said sets of adjacent bars being mounted to move in adirection opposite to the direction of movement of the other of saidsets of adjacent bars.
 37. The toothbrush of claim 32 wherein said driveassembly includes a rotating drive shaft, said drive connection being acrank end of said drive shaft mounted to said primary tuft block, andsaid drive transmitting connection being cam structure on said driveshaft engaged with said bars.
 38. The toothbrush of claim 32 whereinsaid drive assembly includes a rotating drive shaft, said driveconnection being a crank end of said drive shaft mounted to said primarytuft block, and said drive transmitting connection being cam structureon said drive shaft engaged with said bars.
 39. The toothbrush of claim32 wherein said bristles on said bars are of ramped height arranged inrows parallel to each other.
 40. The toothbrush of claim 39 wherein thedirection of inclination of each row of bristles is opposite to itsadjacent row.
 41. The toothbrush of claim 39 including stimulatorbristles on said head peripherally outwardly of and at least partiallyaround said secondary tuft block.
 42. The toothbrush of claim 32 whereinsaid bristles on said bars are of the same height as each other.
 43. Thetoothbrush of claim 42 including stimulator bristles on said headperipherally outwardly of and at least partially around said secondarytuft block.
 44. The toothbrush of claim 27 wherein said bristles on atleast one of said primary tuft block and said secondary tuft blockinclude bristles of different configuration and material than otherbristles on said at least one of said primary tuft block and saidsecondary tuft block.